New Licensing Agreement (Upper Deck Exclusive) Discussion Thread

[centrehice]

I was simply stating my personal preference when it came to the cards. A lot of people on these boards refuse to acknowledge that what many of us call a hobby, is big business for these card companies and professional organizations. The NHL/NHLPA doesn't care about us, they care about money. Not only is one license easier to handle on their part, but I'm sure Upper Deck paid them quite the premium to get this exclusive.

All licensing of cards is very easy, as you only have 3 companies in the race. Specify the parameters of your License, then charge all 3 companies accordingly to the amount of issue they are allowed to produce. It's not that hard when you only have 3 suppliers.

Now if you have 40-50 wanting licenses, then that is where you have to work harder for your money.

I'd rather have equal money from 3 separate companies competing for top honours, and let the market dictate who comes out on top.

[RGM81]

Panini has just released a statement (see original post) - I put up a comment stating:

I'm disappointed to hear that Panini will be out of the hockey card business after this season. I've been a supporter of your products since you came on the scene in 2010-11 and I truly treasure some of the cards you've made of my favourite Canadiens players, from Certified to Crown Royale to Dominion to Prime. Best wishes to all of the hard-working individuals who comprise the Panini Hockey Team.

This raises a lot of questions. I don't know if you can answer them now, but I'm sure collectors would like to know.

What happens to your 2013-14 product line? Do all planned releases for this card season have to be released prior to June 30th?

What will happen with any redemption cards that collectors may pull from your current products? Will they be honoured after the June 30th date?

It's been an enjoyable four years of collecting Panini, and it's unfortunate that it will be coming to an end soon.

Obviously there's going to be some uncertainty about everything in the weeks and months ahead.

[egghead529]

All licensing of cards is very easy, as you only have 3 companies in the race. Specify the parameters of your License, then charge all 3 companies accordingly to the amount of issue they are allowed to produce. It's not that hard when you only have 3 suppliers.

Now if you have 40-50 wanting licenses, then that is where you have to work harder for your money.

I'd rather have equal money from 3 separate companies competing for top honours, and let the market dictate who comes out on top.

You are oversimplifying this like crazy. The NHLPA doesn't simply grant a license and then give unlimited freedom to the card company. I can guarantee you that they have to have images/designs/logos all approved by the NHLPA in order to produce the cards. This isn't as simple as give us your money and freely use our likeness, as the NHL and NHLPA have to protect their image.

[Pence23]

no license for itg... lame

[hossa18sens]

So how long until Howe is a free agent again?

[AndrewZachary]

This marks the end of the only reasonably priced product on the market. The Score product was always a godsend for those who want the fun of breaking a box without spending $100. UD has produced crap in hockey IMO and with no competition, it will get worse and more expensive.

[hached]

Frankly I am very happy with this decision. There is just too much product on the market and it's reminding me of the 1990's. I actually stopped collecting for myself after Panini came back in the fold. I have nothing against them, and perhaps their product is in fact better, but less product = less saturation = more value. I've always been an UD guys so all positive from where I am sitting.

[flemingc04]

So the rumours were true. Not impressed by this at all as I like companies having competition.

As for Brodeur autos, without Panini I guess they will all be coming from ITG unless UD can bring him back.

[egghead529]

This marks the end of the only reasonably priced product on the market. The Score product was always a godsend for those who want the fun of breaking a box without spending $100. UD has produced crap in hockey IMO and with no competition, it will get worse and more expensive.

Who knows, maybe UD will bring back Victory

[RGM81]

Official statement (link) now added to the original post.